Scientists believe they may be one step closer to detecting dark matter for the first time, but the findings have not been verified by independent researchers.
Scientists from the University of Bristol were part of a two-year study to try and measure the invisible substance thought to make up over 85% of the universe.
Using a sensitive detector in an an underground laboratory in the US, the researchers saw an atom and mystery particle colliding.
Lead researcher physicist Dr Sam Eriksen said it could be “the first step in understanding dark matter as a particle”, but further research could also reveal that the particle is not related to dark matter.
“Following a huge amount of scientific effort, this is incredibly exciting,” the University of Bristol senior research associate added.
Although scientists have long been certain of the existence of dark matter, because it is invisible as it reflects no light.
While it is thought to make up the majority of mass in the universe, it has never been directly detected.
